Automatic window closer



1,604,289 J. c. KINDLER ET AL AUTOMATIC WINDOW CLOSER Filed April 13, 1926 amnion [fin (Z Z01",

m ma,

Patented a. 26, 1926. I

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH C. KINDLER, OF J'E RSEY CITY, AND JOHN J'. KANKAS, O1 BAYONNE, NEW

- JERSEY.

AUTOMATIC wmnow CLOSER.

Application filed April 13, 1926. Serial No. 101,751.

This invention relates to automatic window closers and more particularly to a device for closing sliding windows in event of rain during the absence of .the occupants of a building.

An important object of the invention 1s to provide a device of this character having a soluble restraining element for maintaining the win ow in 1ts open posltion of such character that it may be very readily and cheaply replaced.

A further object of the invention is to provide means whereby closing of the window is assured after the release has been effected.

These and other objects we attain by the construction shown in the accompanylng drawing, wherein for the purpose of 111118- tration is shown a preferred embodiment of our invention and wherein Figure 1 is an inside elevation partially broken away of a window having apparatus constructed in accordance with our invention applied thereto;

Figure 2 is an enlarged section on the line 2--2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a rear elevation showing the supporting connection for the lower sash;

Figure 4: is a section on the line 1-4: of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a bottom plan View of the bracket which is attached to the outer sash;

Figure 6 is a view of the plate whlch is attached to the inner sash.

Referring now more particularly to the drawing, the numeral 10 indicates a frame having slidably mounted therein upper and lower sash 11 and 12. In accordancewith the usual practice, the upper sash 11 is outwardly disposed. A sash of this character is usually balanced by weights 13 so t hat they will remain in their ad usted position. In accordance with our invention, we provide means, as at 14, for further weighting the lower sash so that it will automatically close against the action of the sash weights 13 thereof and further provide means at 15 for maintaining the window in its open position. The counterweighting means 14 preferably includes pins 16, each having a base 17 whereby they may be secured to the upper frame member 18 of the sash and upon the upper surface thereof. A pair of the pins 16 are arranged adjacent each end of the frame member 18 and these pins are adapted to extend through openings 19 formed in weights 20. When the automatic closing feature isnot to be employed, the weights 20 may be readily removed and the sash will operate in its usual manner.

To the inner or lower sash 12, we secure a plate 21 having an eye 22. The outer face of the outer sash at the lower frame member 23 thereof has a bracket 24 having a furcated horizontal ledge 25. A short length of chain 26 is provided having at its opposite end hooks 27 and 28 respectively adapted for engagement in the eye 22 of the plate 21 and an eye 29 formed in a flexible band 30 adapted to be secured to a block 31 of material Which is readily soluble in water.

In using the apparatus, the weights 20 are placed in position and the sash raised. The block of soluble material is connected to one end of the chain by the eye 29 while the opposite end of the chain is. connected to the eye 22. The chain is made of such length that the block 31 may be placed in position with the eye 29 projecting down through the furcation of the ledge after the block is attached to the chain. The upper sash is then released and will move downwardly a short distance until the chain 26 becomes taut. In event of a rain storm, the water impinging against the solid block which will be arranged at the outer face of the window will tend to dissolve and soften the same so that the band which is preferably formed of wire will become disengaged therefrom, permitting the sash 12 to move downwardly under the influence of the weights 20. It will, of course, be obvious that any suitable soluble material may be employed in the formation of the block 21 and that the invention is otherwise capable of modification without in any manner departing from the spirit of our invention and we accordingly do not limit ourselves to such specific structure except as hereinafter claimed.

We claim i 1. In combination with a window embodying vertically slidable upper and lower sash, the lower sash being inwardly arranged and being provided with the usual counterbalances, of counterweights for said lower sash for shifting the same to the closed position against the action of the counterbalance thereof, a support carried by the outer face of the upper sash, a soluble block carried by the su port and a direct connection between the so uble block and the lower sash for maintaining the lower sash in elevated position against the 'a'ction of said counterweights, said counterweights being of insufficient weight to overcome the action of the counterbalances of both the upper and lower sash. i

2. In combination with a window embodying vertically slidable upper and lower sash, the lower sash being inwardly arranged and being provided with the usual counterbalances. of counterweights for said lower sash for shifting the same to the closed position against the action of the counterweights, a support carried by the outer face of the upper sash and having a slot, a soluble block carried by the support and straddling the slot thereof, a connection between the soluble block and the lower sash for maintaining the lower sash in elevated posit-ion against the action of said counterweights, said connection including an eye carried by the lower sash, an encircling band for the soluble I na terial likewise including an eye and positioned above the slot and a flexible element engaged at its ends with said eyes.

In testimony whereof we hereunto allix our signatures.

JOSEPH C. KINDLER. JOHN J. KANKAS. 

